“Racism has no place in our game, and while I respect that people may have different views about what is happening to Adam, it is impossible to separate this issue from the issue of race.

“The booing of Adam Goodes is being felt as racism by him and by many in our football community and as such, I urge our supporters to understand the toll this is having, the message it is sending, and that it does not reflect well on our game.

Those defending the booing on social media claim it’s because Goodes is “a cheat” and “a sook”. Goodes was last year called out in a single game for appearing to milk a free kick.

His list of achievements have been considered an inspiration to indigenous kids across the nation since 1999, when he was voted the league’s best rookie. His individual achievements include two league best and fairest awards crowned by being named 2014’s Australian of the Year, one of the nation’s highest individual honours.